Master's Programme in Earth Science – Hydrology/Hydrogeology

120 credits

Are you fascinated by water’s journey from rainfall to rivers and groundwater, tracing its path through the landscape and its environmental interactions? If you are passionate about managing water resources or addressing water-related disasters, the Master's Programme in Earth Science is for you! The specialisation in Hydrology/Hydrogeology allows you to study hydrological processes including runoff, groundwater formation, flow and much more.

Expand the information below to show details on entry requirements, programme-specific documents, selection criteria and tuition fees.

Location
Uppsala
Pace of study
100%
Teaching form
On-campus
Instructional time
Daytime
Study period
31 August 2026–4 June 2028
Language of instruction
English
Entry requirements

Academic requirements

A Bachelor's degree, equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen, from an internationally recognised university.

Also required is:

  • 90 credits in earth science and 15 credits in mathematics; or
  • 90 credits in technology/engineering or physics and 30 credits in earth science or environmental science.

Language requirements

Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6. This requirement can be met either by achieving the required score on an internationally recognised test, or by previous upper secondary or university studies in some countries.

Selection

Students are selected based on an overall appraisal of previous university studies, a statement of purpose and other relevant experience.

Fees
If you are not a citizen of a European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) country, or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees.
  • First tuition fee instalment: SEK 82,500
  • Total tuition fee: SEK 330,000

Read more about fees.

Application deadline
15 January 2026
Application code
UU-M1851
Supporting documents

In addition to the general supporting documents, you also need to submit a programme-specific statement of purpose (1 page).

The statement of purpose should provide a clear motivation for the chosen programme and specialisation; include information on your Bachelor's thesis (if any) and its relevance to the programme; and describe other relevant experience, e.g. fieldwork, internships, work experience, previous studies abroad, involvement in a student union or academic societies, communication skills.

Check the application guide for information on how to apply and what other supporting documents you need to submit.

The specialisation in Hydrology/Hydrogeology in the Master's programme in Earth Science focuses on processes relating to water at or near the Earth's surface, its interactions with nature, and the relationships between water and human activities. The programme combines advanced courses on fundamental hydrological processes and the modelling of groundwater and surface water with hydrochemistry and field methods. It also provides a good foundation for the management of water resources in our society.

During the programme, you can expect to:

  • learn the fundamental processes that control the flow and cycling of freshwater at the Earth's surface,
  • study the management of water resources and how to deal with water-related hazards,
  • combine studies in hydrological processes with sustainable use of water resources and human-water interactions.

The Department of Earth Sciences at Uppsala University is one of the most comprehensive academic departments of its kind in Europe. Research in Earth science focuses on subjects that range from the Earth's core to the atmosphere. It focuses on scales from sub-microscopic minerals and fossils to the formation of mountains and oceans, and in time from the formation of the Earth to the processes currently reshaping the planet.

Research in hydrology at the Department focuses on a variety of topics, including runoff, groundwater recharge and water movement. It is also oriented towards modelling of hydrological processes, and the use of basic hydrological process knowledge to improve water resource and environmental planning.

Degree

The programme leads to the degree of Master of Science (120 credits) with Earth Science as the main field of study. After one year of study, it is possible to obtain a degree of Master of Science (60 credits).

Year 1

All courses in the first semester are shared with the specialisation in Physical geography.

The first semester starts with Dynamics of Earth Systems - Global Change, which explores global interactions between components of the Earth system, while Applied Geoinformatics provides GIS training. Students can also opt for Exploration and Environmental Geophysics instead. The semester continues with courses in Hydrochemistry or Climate Variations, and on Statistics and Data Analysis Methods. The Presentation and Publication course helps you develop your communication skills.

The second semester features more specialised courses in hydrological processes and their mathematical treatment, environmental assessment to support decisionmaking, ground and surface water modelling and a course in field techniques and methods for physical geographers and hydrologists.

Year 2

The third semester offers courses on water distribution and treatment systems, water and society, which discusses governance and policies, and a directed readings course on current research topics within physical geography and hydrology. These are followed by courses on hydrology and environmental changes in cold regions, and on natural hazards, also shared with the Physical Geography specialisation.

The fourth and final semester of the specialisation is a degree project in the form of an independent project.

Courses within the programme

See the programme outline for courses within the programme.

The teachers in the Master's Programme in Earth Science are experts in their respective fields, giving you up-to-date contact with front-line research in an open and creative educational atmosphere. The teaching consists of a balanced mix of theoretical and practical work providing experience in both research and industry-oriented applications. Excursions, fieldwork and study visits are included in some courses.

Instruction in the programme builds on your experience and knowledge from your previous education. You are expected to actively participate and contribute to the learning environment and take responsibility for your own and others' learning. The teachers are responsible for creating opportunities for active learning at individual and group level. Purposeful and respectful dialogue between teachers and students contributes to the constant improvement and development of courses.

Examination generally includes written exams, complemented by seminar presentations/discussions, project work, laboratory work and field reports.

The Master's Programme in Earth Science, specialising in Hydrology/Hydrogeology, prepares you with skills and knowledge for a career as a professional hydrologist or hydrogeologist in environmental and natural resource management or in academia.

Our graduates work at, for example, Berg AB, Sweco AB and Tyréns AB. Jobs include hydrogeologist, hydrologist, environmental consultant, etcetera.

The programme also provides good opportunities for postgraduate education with subsequent research careers.

Career support

During your time as a student, UU Careers offers support and guidance. You have the opportunity to take part in a variety of activities and events that will prepare you for your future career.

What people say about the programme

Watch our programme video.

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Register your interest

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Contact

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Find information about the programme start and registration in the student gateway.

Student at Uppsala University

As a student, you will find information about your studies in the Student Gateway.

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